Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Leap: Russian Engineers Break Uranium-Rich Ground In Ulken

While much of the world debates the merits of nuclear energy, Kazakhstan has already made up its mind. The uranium-rich nation recently held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 8, 2025, marking the start of construction on its first nuclear power plant in Ulken, along Lake Balkhash’s southern shore. Seventy percent of Kazakhs voted in favor of nuclear power in a 2024 referendum. The people have spoken. Nuclear is in.

Kazakhstan embraces nuclear power with conviction while others waffle—the uranium giant is betting big on its atomic future.

This isn’t some small-scale experiment. We’re talking massive—2.4 gigawatts of power from two Generation III+ reactors by 2035. The price tag? A cool $15 billion, give or take a billion for infrastructure improvements. That’s serious cash for serious power. Unlike geothermal energy with its high availability factor, nuclear plants require more complex safety systems and waste management solutions.

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom beat out competitors from China, France, and South Korea to lead the international consortium. Their VVER-1200 reactor design promises cutting-edge safety systems and improved fuel efficiency. Because who wants yesterday’s nuclear technology? Nobody, that’s who.

The Ulken project is just the beginning. Kazakhstan plans to build at least three nuclear plants as part of its strategy to have nuclear energy supply 5% of the country’s electricity by 2035. The second and third plants are expected to be developed by China National Nuclear Corporation, based on ongoing negotiations. China is expected to head construction of the second plant. Everyone wants a piece of Kazakhstan’s nuclear pie.

The economic impact will be substantial. New schools, kindergartens, and other amenities are planned for the region. Workers are already drilling exploratory wells to analyze the site. The engineering surveys will include at least 50 boreholes ranging from 30 to 120 meters deep to thoroughly assess the site’s suitability. Local support in Ulken hit 90% in their own referendum—apparently, they’re quite enthusiastic about having a nuclear reactor as a neighbor.

Kazakhstan isn’t new to the nuclear game. As the world’s largest uranium producer, they’ve been controlling the global nuclear fuel supply chain for years. Now they’re using their own resources to power their future. Smart move or nuclear gamble? Most Kazakhs think the former. Time will tell if they’re right.